The Creative's Toolkit

 The Creative's Toolkit: Essential Digital Products

Every Knowledge Worker Needs!

For writers, copywriters, educators, curators, and marketers: The landscape of knowledge work has never been more dynamic. The sheer volume of available tools can be daunting, leaving you adrift in a sea of options.

But fear not, fellow storytellers! Your journey to creative mastery doesn't have to be hindered by overwhelming choices. I've curated a collection of the finest, most affordable digital tools to streamline your workflow and unleash your full potential.

Ready?  Here they are, in no particular order.

1.    Canva

 What would I do without Canva?  Probably nothing.  

Canva is an intuitive online platform that empowers anyone to create stunning visuals, from presentations and social media graphics to eye-catching posters, regardless of their design experience.

Lack formal art or design training? No problem. Canva empowers you to create stunning visuals with ease. Explore pre-designed templates or unleash your creativity with its intuitive tools. 

Free and premium plans available. Unleash vibrant color with Canva.

2.    Pixabay

 Sometimes, your own photos just won't cut it. But don't let that stifle your creativity! Explore the vast collection of free images on Pixabay. Search by keyword and discover the perfect visuals to inspire and enhance your presentations.

Now, let's discover the FREE Google tools that can supercharge your projects.

3.    Google Keep

 Keep is my secret weapon against distraction. Capture fleeting thoughts, schedule reminders, and effortlessly sync with your calendar. Boost your productivity with Keep!

4.    Blogger and Blogspot

 Then there is Blogger, which is the platform I am using to write this!  *Waves*

Just as you use Google Docs to write everything else, Blogger is used to create blogs.

Google Blogger is a free blogging platform that allows users to create and publish blogs online. Users can share their thoughts, experiences, and expertise with a global audience.  Above is what you see.

Blogspot, the other side of the coin, is what the reader sees.  It is what you are reading on right now. 

Below are my blog home page, and my first blog post.

 

5.    Google Drive

 Google Drive is a cloud storage service enabling users to store, access, and share files online across all their devices.

It is also a great way to access other tools, such as Google Docs.  A handy tip: opening and starting a Google Doc, Google Slide, or Google Sheets document through a Folder in your Google Drive will automatically save that document to that folder.  

As long as you open these tools IN the folder you want to save them to, you won't have to move them around.

6.  Google Earth

 Still one of my favorites!

Are you preparing a presentation on the fascinating world of igneous rock formations? If so, consider including the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland as an example. This natural wonder showcases the remarkable columnar formations created by cooling basalt.

Now, let's return to our main topic. Google Earth is an invaluable resource for accessing and utilizing maps. Its imagery can be seamlessly integrated into presentations through other Google tools, such as Google Slides. Incorporating these satellite images can significantly enhance the visual appeal and impact of any academic, professional, or personal presentation or website.

7.    Google Sites

Need a website for your classroom syllabus, exhibition designs, or your professional portfolio, but don't have thousands of dollars handy for the task?

Google Sites is your answer for affordable website design.  Google Sites provides both free and purchasable templates to design your website and provides the free domain.  

Other options are available through Google for unique and personal domains. 

8.    Google Sheets

Google Sheets provides a free, cloud-based platform for creating, formatting, and collaboratively sharing spreadsheets. As part of Google Workspace, it seamlessly integrates with other Google applications and offers compatibility with Microsoft Excel.

Use it to format and analyze data, and to create charts for presentations.

9.    Google Gemini

Finally, let's address the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). I can anticipate your concern: "Isn't using AI considered cheating?" The answer is no, as long as it's used responsibly.

Gemini, Google's free generative AI platform, can be a valuable tool for writers. I personally utilize it as a post-writing assistant to refine sentence structure, improve paragraph flow, and enhance overall clarity. Gemini can also be a helpful resource for research, assisting in locating relevant sources and clarifying complex concepts.

 

However, it's crucial to exercise caution. AI is not infallible. Relying solely on AI to complete your work is counterproductive. Instead, treat Gemini like any other editing or proofreading tool – use it to enhance your writing, not to replace your own creative process.

 

That is our list.  Feel free to use these products in your work for a simpler work day!

Cheers, and have a great day!